On Saturday we checked Nikki's Facebook to see if anything was new (we hit it every day; go get four-packs of the Beer of the Month, Sixpoint, for $8, including Brownstone, their just-released hopped-up brown brew). We saw they had friended What Cheer Tavern (facebook.com/WhatCheerTavern). Which reminded us that we had been told of a sighting of a new sign at what-used-to-be the Acores Café (aka Café 228) at the corner of New York Avenue and Narragansett Boulevard, across from Sollitto's Liquor Store — yeah, the one with the giant chicken out front. Facebook led us to their dotcom, where we saw that What Cheer is a new craft-centric beer bar, dedicated to local brews.

Our Kia led us to What Cheer on Monday, where we met Dave Crockenberg and Zöe Brown, the couple who opened the doors to the cozy space last Saturday (Dave's door to the craft world was opened by Stone's Arrogant Bastard Ale). Draft options on its six (soon to be eight) taps included Grey Sail's great Flying Jenny Extra Pale Ale, Revival's Double Black IPA, Trinity's Tommy's Red, Newport Storm's Oktoberfest, and Narragansett Lager (plus Wachusett Green Monsta); bottles and cans in a cooler represent New England, with plans for "guest" beers from the rest of the US to join the rotation (there's an array of macros for non-craft converts). Dave hopes to add beers from Ravenous, High Jinx, and the Bucket Brewery down the road, and host local brewers and their wares. They also boast of serving "totally decent food" (half-price wings were being very happily devoured at the bar), and there's a patio that will become a beer garden. It's a great spot with lots of potential — and another small step in the spread of better beer.

Speaking of those three new breweries: Ravenous is the brainchild of Dorian Rave, a longtime home brewer (and police officer) who is going pro. The first beer from his Woonsocket-based brewery — Coffee Milk Stout (genius!) — will be available at that city's Autumnfest on Columbus Day weekend. Future offerings include Blackstone Pale Ale, Belgian Rye P.A., and Harvest Ale. Check ravenousbrew.com for updates.

And things are moving along nicely at the two new Pawtucket beerists: High Jinx Brewery has its fermenters, tanks, and kegs (435 of 'em!) in place; they're aiming to share their first beers in November. And the Bucket Brewery has been meeting with distributors and hope that their first offering, a Saison, will be out soon.

REVIVAL IS ON THE WAY!

Yeah, we know, Revival's been here for almost a year now, but the loooong-awaited arrival of Revival in bottles is thisclose. Fall beers have been on the shelves for weeks (and weeks), but you can truly celebrate the shorter and cooler days — and the tenth month of the year — when four-packs of Imperial Octoberfest Lager debut next week. And more of Sean Larkin's sweet suds — Saison and Double Black IPA — will follow (release dates TBD). Check revivalbrewing.com for updates.

Bring on the Bock (and more) For New Englanders, the four seasons are an inescapable reality. The good news is that each season brings its own beer with it. Light, sessionable brews for summer, Oktoberfest beers in the fall, winter warmers, and in the spring . . . . Wait, what exactly is the style for spring seasonals?

The taste of autumn So I was ready to do the obligatory Oktoberfest column. I had decided to wait till, you know, Oc/ktober, despite the fact that some of these beers have been in stores since August (and then it was 80 degrees this weekend and too hot for lederhosen).

Bottles and Cans and Just Clap Your Hands: ’Gansett’s Battle Roy-ale DEMOCRACY! Narragansett Beer's craft brews — Fest, Porter, Bock, and Summer Ale — are all seasonal delights (especially the Bock; let's skip fall and winter and get right to spring; no, let's not, then we'd miss the Porter, the delicious winter warmer which just arrived in stores).

Review: The Thirsty Pig + Novare Res The traditional remedies for the burdens of life, at least in the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic traditions that dominate American culture, have been beer and sausage — cheap ways to blot the pain with a light buzz and a stomach full of rich food.